Con Coughlin is the Telegraph's Defence Editor and a world-renowned expert on global security and terrorism issues. He is the author of several critically acclaimed books. His new book, Churchill's First War: Young Winston and the fight against the Taliban, is published by Macmillan in London and Thomas Dunne Books in New York. He appears regularly on radio and television in Britain and America.

General Sir Richard Dannatt's Afghanistan requests should have been met first time

Another day in Afghanistan, and yet another appeal from the military for more forces to be sent to Afghanistan to enable them to fulfil the difficult mission they have been given. This time the request comes from General Sir Richard Dannatt, the head of the British Army, who says more resources are required so that proper protection can be given to troops against roadside bombs.

There is nothing new in what Gen Dannatt is saying. The military has been pressing the Government since the start of the year to send an extra 2,000 troops so enable commanders on the ground to secure the terrain under their command. But their requests have fallen on deaf ears, with the result that we are now suffering our highest casualty levels since British forces first deployed to Afghanistan eight years ago. The Government should hang its head in shame.